Nikkor Z 100-400 vs the Z 400mm F/4.5 VR for wildlife photography
- Thread starter ClaireH105
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I asked myself a somewhat similar question for an April raft trip down the Grand Canyon with a photo group. I brought my Z9 and Z7II, the Z 14-24, Z 20 mm, Z 24-70 f2.8 and the Z 70-200. I thought about bringing my Z 100-400 instead of the Z 70-200, for possible wildlife. In the end, I decided I preferred to have the Z 70-200 along and threw in the Z 2x TC to be used for wildlife. It was easier to add the Z 2x TC than bring both the Z 70-200 and Z 100-400. In the end, we saw some big horn sheep while we were on our rafts, so my main camera gear was in a dry bag. I did use the Z 2x TC to photograph a number of interesting lizards we saw on shore.
Calson
Well-known member
The choice depends a great deal on the companion lenses it will be used with for most situations. With the 600mm prime I alway carried the 80-400mm zoom as well. Same with the 800mm PF except it is the 100-400mm lens. Even with the 500mm PF lens I often had the 80-400mm zoom on my second body.
For multiple reasons I try to make as few lens changes as possible out in the field and that is an important factor in my lenses choices for my two bodies.
For multiple reasons I try to make as few lens changes as possible out in the field and that is an important factor in my lenses choices for my two bodies.
Alistair
Well-known member
Yes, particularly in the mirrorless world.
Yeah…it’s either the 70-200 or the 100-400 for this trip…and based on my previous posts and google ing and such it seems like mostly 280 will be plenty of reach. Of course…whatever one I decide on I will regret it at least twice…but then I realize that
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Supporting my photography habit, as well as my wife's quilting habit, is why I'm still working.
(And eating, too. My last visit to the grocery was almost obscene at the checkout!)
All true. Then there's the argument that accepting there are going to be errors introduced by the operator it's still beneficial to start with the best possible. That said what you point out is precisely why so many people who buy their first high end prime lens are disappointed with the initial results. Technique is not at the same level as the hardware.
Tomorrow, I'm heading out on a week-long trip back east to Maryland, and while it's non-photography focused, you best be sure at some point I'll carve out some time to hit up my old favorite birding spots. As with every trip, that fun case study we all love comes up: what gear am I putting in the bag? So, since this isn't a dedicated birding excursion, I'm leaving the 800PF at home, and am having to decide b/w the 100-400 and 400 4.5 
If I get to go to my all-time favorite spot, I know exactly what I'm walking into: the distances I'll need to cover, which species are currently there, lighting situation etc. Lots of fond memories shooting the D500PF there, and I can't help but think the 400 4.5 makes the most sense, but at the same time I can see situations where the 100-400 also would be very handy. My goal species would be Prothonotary Warblers and Green Herons, both of which I can sorta get closer to. Would definitely be making this a late-afternoon trip, so light gathering of the 400 would be advantageous.
The cool part is that everything fits in the Backlight 18L; I'm also taking my Fuji X-T5 and two lenses for family stuff (since it's that kind of trip). Wish Fuji had a dedicated birding prime in the 400-600 range, that way I could stick w/ one ecosystem, but alas...
If I get to go to my all-time favorite spot, I know exactly what I'm walking into: the distances I'll need to cover, which species are currently there, lighting situation etc. Lots of fond memories shooting the D500PF there, and I can't help but think the 400 4.5 makes the most sense, but at the same time I can see situations where the 100-400 also would be very handy. My goal species would be Prothonotary Warblers and Green Herons, both of which I can sorta get closer to. Would definitely be making this a late-afternoon trip, so light gathering of the 400 would be advantageous.
The cool part is that everything fits in the Backlight 18L; I'm also taking my Fuji X-T5 and two lenses for family stuff (since it's that kind of trip). Wish Fuji had a dedicated birding prime in the 400-600 range, that way I could stick w/ one ecosystem, but alas...
There's terrific scenery in the Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District and the Lake District. We don't have any wild animals apart from foxes and badgers - the latter being particularly hard to spot. Plenty of deer though, and sheep of course. So your 14-24, 24-120 and 70-200 with the tc will be plenty enough.
Have a great trip!
John Navitsky
Well-known member
for action do note the 400 4.5 does have a faster af motor. the 100-400 is fast enough in most cases of course
Thanks Patrick…that's the way I'm leaning myself.
What are your go to spots in Maryland? I'm in between Baltimore and DC and am always interested in learning about new spots.Tomorrow, I'm heading out on a week-long trip back east to Maryland, and while it's non-photography focused, you best be sure at some point I'll carve out some time to hit up my old favorite birding spots. As with every trip, that fun case study we all love comes up: what gear am I putting in the bag? So, since this isn't a dedicated birding excursion, I'm leaving the 800PF at home, and am having to decide b/w the 100-400 and 400 4.5
If I get to go to my all-time favorite spot, I know exactly what I'm walking into: the distances I'll need to cover, which species are currently there, lighting situation etc. Lots of fond memories shooting the D500PF there, and I can't help but think the 400 4.5 makes the most sense, but at the same time I can see situations where the 100-400 also would be very handy. My goal species would be Prothonotary Warblers and Green Herons, both of which I can sorta get closer to. Would definitely be making this a late-afternoon trip, so light gathering of the 400 would be advantageous.
The cool part is that everything fits in the Backlight 18L; I'm also taking my Fuji X-T5 and two lenses for family stuff (since it's that kind of trip). Wish Fuji had a dedicated birding prime in the 400-600 range, that way I could stick w/ one ecosystem, but alas...
Happy to share! My all time favorite spot is McKee-Beshers down along River Rd in Montgomery County. There’s a lot of good places along River Rd: Violette’s Loch and Riley’s Loch are notably great birding spots. There’s also sunflower fields in that area that have swarms of birds.
Further north off 270, Little Bennet State Park is excellent, though I only discovered it a year before I moved away, so didn’t get to explore it too much.
Outside of the DCMDVA, you owe it to yourself to visit Assateague Island.
Thanks these are some excellent suggestions. And I haven't been to Assateague but it's definitely ok my list! Enjoy your time in MD but our air quality has been dreadful because of those Canadians and their fires!
It was insanely hazy yesterday, especially down in Rockville; we’ve been getting a little bit of it back in Wi, but nowhere near this bad. Hoping it clears up just a bit while I’m here!